Expert: Patrick J. Murray - 7/1/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi Patrick,

I was wondering if you knew anything about funding for kids animated TV shows? And how it works in regards to selling the show to a network.

Apologies in advance for all the questions.

If it happens that a network like Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network or Disney XD are interested in your show and want to take it on, what happens from that point?

1) Do they pay a flat fee for the show in return for 100% of the IP and say good bye to the creators?

2) Do they buy 100% of the IP from the creators then hire the creators as staff on a wage?

3) Do they buy 97% of the IP leaving the creators with a small percentage of IP but hire them on a wage too?

4) Do they bring the creators on board and assign them a producer who goes about getting funding from various sources, such as Canada or France creating a co production?

5) Do they supply the money for the show themselves and begin planning a infrastructure to begin making the show?

6) Do they give a letter of intent to the creators stating that if the show is produced to a certain level of quality they would air the show if it could get funding and be created else where? If this happened would they then buy the fully created show and take all it's IP, or would they take a smaller percentage of the IP as it has already been produced?

How much power does a network really have in regards to making a deal as they need good content as much as the creators want to see their show on the air? But do they have all the power in that there are few broadcasters and many show ideas?

Is it true that they have so many great shows shown to them that they can afford to say "this is the deal, take it or leave it" and if you try to bargain with them you lose out on the deal?

Apologies again for all the sub questions. i hope I haven't taken to many liberties, it is just a confusing subject for a new comer to this side of the industry.

Thank you for your time, much appreciated.

J.





ANSWER: Hey J.... Thanx for stopping by....Let's see if I can assist in answering your questions...

Let's talk about selling the show first - and switch the perspective. Think of yourself as being the network and how you want to make money, own creative products, and not spend a lot of money.

I don't know the specific practices of each company, but  you would definitely need some sort of legal help in setting up your relations with these larger networks. And if you look at the credits on all these shows, you will have an idea as to what shops are putting these programs together. You will see a lot of the same names or the network itself creating them.

But to answer your questions 1 to 5, it really depends on the company. The only way you can discover that is to enter into some sort of business discussion with them. Only then will they expose their business plan and how they will accept your show ideas. Protection is very important legally so that your idea is protected above all. The legal aspect often gets overlooked. Don't forget that!

And yes, the networks do have the power. They hold all the cards in these events. That is why it is so tough to try and sell your product - and why others have found the DVD market or the Internet to be an outlet as opposed to these traditional ways of placing your show.

The best of luck to you - but remember - keep your idea protected!!!!!

Patrick Murray




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your help and time Patrick.

Much appreciated.

J

Answer
Hey J....

Hope I could help some...this is not my major area of expertise but I was hoping I could give you some ideas on how could attack your sales program for your potential shows. I do know that these companies look for what kind of track record you have and who is backing you - if you are new to the scene, your chances slide down the ladder as to the acceptability of your ideas and concepts. So make sure you are protected legally and that your ideas are trademarked or copyrighted.

Best of luck on your venture!

Patrick Murray